Defensive Showdown Looming
The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season, boasting the league's top-ranked defense through the first five weeks. However, they'll face their toughest challenge yet when they host the high-powered Buffalo Bills on "Monday Night Football" in Week 6.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich admitted he's been having "sleepless nights" trying to devise a plan to slow down Bills quarterback Josh Allen and the league's second-best rushing attack. Ulbrich knows his unit will have to be at its best to contain Allen's dual-threat abilities and the dangerous Bills offense.
Key Matchups to Watch
One key matchup will be Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, who is expected to return from a hamstring injury, going up against Bills star receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs torched the Falcons' secondary in their Week 4 loss to the Patriots, so Atlanta will need Terrell to be at his lockdown best.
Another intriguing battle will be Falcons rookie wide receiver Drake London against the Bills' defensive backs. London has emerged as a go-to target for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and the Falcons may look to exploit the matchup against a Bills secondary that struggled against the Patriots.
Falcons Hoping for Offensive Spark
While the Falcons' defense has been the story so far, their offense will need to step up against the Bills' stifling unit. Penix and the Falcons will be looking to get the running game going early to take pressure off the passing attack and keep the Bills' offense off the field.
TL;DR
- The Atlanta Falcons face their toughest test yet when they host the high-powered Buffalo Bills on "Monday Night Football" in Week 6.
- Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is having "sleepless nights" trying to devise a plan to slow down Bills QB Josh Allen and the league's second-best rushing attack.
- Key matchups to watch include Falcons CB A.J. Terrell vs. Bills WR Stefon Diggs, and Falcons rookie WR Drake London against the Bills' secondary.
- The Falcons' offense will need to step up and get the running game going early to keep the Bills' offense off the field.